An homage to the past, with an eye towards the future, Porches Inn is an example of witty repurposing. The ultimate in building recycling, developers took an eyesore and created a luxurious, but homey inn, utilizing pieces of the wreckage. Once a dilapidated series of row houses for the millworkers who toiled across the street (in the […] Read more
Viewing: Hotels
March 4, 2015
The Beresheet Hotel is truly heaven on earth. Set on the rim of the non-impact Ramon Crater in the Negev (mid-southern Israel), this is probably one of the most beautifully stark and surprisingly alive places in the world. I stayed here for two nights in February 2015, and wished it were longer. Look at these photos […] Read more
March 2, 2015
Mitzpe Hayamim, an Organic Farm/Spa/Hotel/Restaurant in northern Israel, is not luxe in the American sense of dressed-to-the-nines guestrooms and overstuffed duvets. There’s nary a crystal chandelier or plush banquet to be seen. Near the mystical city of Tzfat, Israel, this upscale, naturally wild spot, however, does feature lavish spa treatments, ample time for reflection, and some […] Read more
January 26, 2015
With the “Blizzard of the Century” bearing down on the Northeast, this roundup of charming hotels and inns is timely. The following roundup was first published in the Huffington Post: Imagine a crackling fire, a fine glass of wine, a decadent meal, and no need to call for a taxi or grab your car keys. […] Read more
December 24, 2014
In the mid-1800’s, Louis Fauchere, Master Chef at New York’s celebrated Delmonico’s Restaurant, opened Hotel Fauchere as a Pocono’s summer escape for city-weary folk. Now opened year round, and having earned a Relais and Chateaux designation, the Fauchere is but one reason to skip over the New York border to this Pennsylvania resort town. Moved […] Read more
December 22, 2014
The Lodge at Glendorn, Bradford PA Situated on 1,500 acres, Glendorn was built in 1927 as a country retreat for oil baron, Clayton Dorn, and his large family. When the property went up for auction in 2009, locals feared that the land would be grabbed by lumber companies eager to clear it. The aptly named Forrest’s […] Read more
October 21, 2014
What if there was a checklist of hotel booking tips that could save you from getting lousy accommodations? Even seasoned travelers can be misled by pretty pictures and glowing reviews on hotel booking sites. According to online reviews, the motel I selected in Oceano, CA was “warm, clean, friendly” and “conveniently located, not too far […] Read more
October 20, 2014
Sitting right across the street from the world famous Barter Theater, The Martha Washington Inn, a gem of a Historic Hotel of America in Southwest Virginia, was rebranded “The Martha” to reflect more modern tastes. A recent rehab has brought this old lady into the 21st century- with room wi-fi, flat screen TV’s and plush bedding […] Read more
October 10, 2014
** Keswick Hall is currently closed for renovations in 2018 and according to the website, will reopen in 2019. Read below for 2014 review and photos…. Overview of Keswick Hall, Charlottesville, VA One of the most stunning and exclusive resorts in Charlottesville if not the whole state of Virginia, Keswick Hall casts a spell as […] Read more
October 7, 2014
I recognized a few of the pale-faced empty nesters huddled at the shallow beach entry of the Madonna Inn’s cerulean pool. Earlier that week I had seen them among the families lugging pillows and plastic crates during Moving In Day at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Now those shell-shocked eyes were […] Read more